The ‘Skinny’ on the Holidays

Written by Vickie Minnella

We have skinny jeans and skinny lattes—maybe we even have skinny lattes to fit into the skinny jeans. But have you ever thought about a skinny holiday?  Consumerism around the holidays seems to fog up the real meaning of Christmas.

What if we committed to make this Christmas different? What if we thought more about why we were buying a gift for someone rather than  simply checking another name off our list? What if we ‘skinnied’ our Christmas this year?

Here are some helpful tips to experience a Skinny Holiday:

• Review the gift list– who could we create a relational gift for instead of buying a material item that may sit around their house collecting dust and create more debt for you.
• Create relational gifts for as many people on your list as possible–  instead of buying a Starbucks gift card for coffee, why not buy a bag of good coffee and attach a note that reads:

o   “This coffee is a gift for both of us. It is to only be made when we are together and for the time it takes us to drink it, we are to share stories and conversation about lives.” That kind of gift would be a lot more meaningful and less bulky on both parties. When we give our presence we are giving much greater presents!

• Consider making a donation to a worthy cause in honor of the name on your wish list this year– Check out Advent Conspiracy. Did you know that lack of clean water is the highest cause of death in this world? Just $10 provides one person clean drinking water for their entire life? Yes, $10 for a life time of clean drinking water. Living Water International is providing gift cards this year for the donations you make in someone’s name. I encourage you to check out http://adventconspiracy.org/ Watch the video- it IS the skinny on Christmas this year!

The story of Christ’s birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love.

So, what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a Savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists.

And when it’s all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that takes months to pay off, and this empty feeling of purposelessness. Is this what we really want out of Christmas?

What if Christmas became a world-changing event again?  Advent Conspiracy is an international movement to do just that.  A movement I’m thrilled to be a part of and invite you to check out.

When we worship fully, spend less, give more and love all, we are telling the true ‘skinny’ story of Christmas!

I would be happy to help anyone wanting more information on this. Feel free to email me at vickie@thinkbeyondwalls.com.

Vickie Minnella is the Founder and President of Beyond Walls, L.L.C. Her company has taught many people how to organize their lives and find motivation through a systematic approach. She believes education and a strong faith in God for direction are two of the most important factors to living a healthy life. Vickie is a cancer survivor and raises her children single handedly by using her own motivational techniques and inner caffeine to get the most Rock-Star out of everyday. Visit her website at www.thinkbeyondwalls.com.